Herbert Ray “Red” Williams passed away on June 16, 2026, at his home in Newkirk, Oklahoma surrounded by his loved ones. He was born to Herbert “Buck” Williams and Jessie Mae (Eddings) Williams on March 30, 1941, in Greene County, Missouri, in a two-room log cabin.

Red grew up on a farm near Rogersville, Missouri and attended Kelly Chapel Rural School for eight years. He worked on pipeline construction all across the United States since age 17. He was also a member of Operating Engineers Local #101 in Kansas City, Missouri, since 1967. Herbert retired from construction work in 2003.

Herbert married the love of his life Carolyn Sue (Swopes) Williams and together they moved to a farm on Traders Bend Road in April 1978. Together they raised two boys on the farm. They were married for more than 50 years, loved spending time with each other, their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Their home was always full of family and love. Red was also known for his love of purple martin bird houses and sitting on the front porch swing, swinging and waving to the neighbors as they went by.

Herbert is preceded in death by his parents Herbert “Buck” Williams and Jessie Mae (Eddings) Williams, grandparents, brother James Williams, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Herbert is survived by his loving wife Sue (Swopes) Williams, sisters Brenda Pearman of Rogersville, Missouri and Barbara Schmidt of Rogersville, Missouri, brother Donnie Williams (Micky) of Sedalia, Missouri, daughter Connie Ferguson (Patrick) of Sedalia, Missouri, sons Michael Williams (Pam) of Sedalia Missouri, Randy Williams of Kildare, Oklahoma, and Greg Williams (Debbie) of Newkirk, Oklahoma, grandchildren Adam Ferguson (Amanda), Keri Pyle (Jeremy), Cody Williams (Brittany), Chance Williams (Kayla), Josh Williams (Destiny), Rachel Leven (Layne), P. J. Schmitz (Sondra), 13 great grandchildren, and 1 on the way.

Memorial donations can be made to River Road Volunteer Fire Department, 3500 E River Road, Newkirk, Oklahoma, 74647, or Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Ave #103, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Services are under the care of Miller Stahl Funeral Home. A graveside service will take place 11am Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Newkirk City Cemetery, in Newkirk, Oklahoma.